ISME concerned at fall in Irish competitiveness
The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association, has outlined its "serious concern" at the latest fall in Irish competitiveness.
The latest Global Competitiveness Index report confirms that Irish competitiveness has continued to decline over the last 12 months, falling from 25th to 29th overall.
The Association laid the blame at Government, accusing them of failing to address the key problems facing business, including access to finance, cost competitiveness and state bureaucracy.
ISME Chief Executive, Mark Fielding, said: "With the impact of the bank crisis having a more dramatic impact on our economy than on our competitors’, it is obvious that we need to have a comprehensive and coherent national strategy to address the ever-widening competitive gap.
"The latest figures indicate that not only have the Government failed to address this issue but the problem is getting progressively worse. It is as if, not alone can they not see a solution but our Government cannot even see the problem.
"The lack of access to credit, the regulatory and cost environment are among the biggest immediate threats to business, further undermining competitiveness."
